Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for the thermal treatment of tissue, e.g., prostatic tissue, with RF energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a handle dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand of a surgeon, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis, at least one electrode extending within the elongated portion and movable between a non-deployed position and a fully deployed position, and a trigger mechanism associated with the handle and having a trigger operatively connected to the one electrode. The trigger is movable to selectively and incrementally move the one electrode between the non-deployed position and the fully deployed position. A ratchet mechanism permits movement of the trigger in one direction corresponding to movement of the one electrode toward the fully deployed position while preventing movement of the trigger in a second direction. The elongated portion of the apparatus may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis to reposition the one electrode.

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First Claim